Enterprise Toronto's 10th annual Small Business Forum October 19, 2010 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre

"Sales in a New Economy" is the focus of the free 10th annual Small Business Forum. On October 19, more than 1,500 entrepreneurs, prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners are anticipated to attend the forum at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Occurring during Small Business Week in Canada, the Small Business Forum is a pivotal all day event for those who are serious about the success of their business.

Hosted by Enterprise Toronto, this event celebrates Toronto’s small business community and the achievements of successful entrepreneurs and local businesses. It features 18 speakers and presenters (who share their experiences in the areas of finance, investing, social media, sales and marketing and growth strategies) and a trade show with more than 80 exhibitors.

New this year is "Democamp", where entrepreneurs can present their business challenges to an audience and an expert panel for immediate feedback; and the "Digital Zone", where attendees can view and participate in social media and see software-as-a-service and mobile application demonstrations.

This year's event focuses on how to find and develop relationships with the right customers, and how customers can lead to new markets, new revenue sources and opportunities to serve in innovative ways.

The keynote presenter, Chris O'Neill, Country Director for Google Canada, will provide current and cutting-edge insight on the online activity of Canadian customers. O'Neill, who was recently appointed as Country Director for Google's Canadian operations, is a native of Canada who has over 15 years of expertise in marketing, strategy, and partnership development.

After a full-day of business, TD Canada Trust (supported by Enterprise Toronto) will be hosting "Entrepreneurs in Action", an evening event featuring: networking with some of the city's top entrepreneurs; Ignite Toronto presentations; and a keynote presentation delivered by famed BumpTop investor, Austin Hill, founder of Zero-Knowledge Systems and Akoha.

For entrepreneurs and established business owners, the Small Business Forum is an opportunity to learn from and network with successful entrepreneurs, meet investors, funders and government program providers, access information about new business products and services, explore new technologies and business development approaches.

The Small Business Forum takes place on Tuesday, October 19, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front St. W. - North Building, 100 Level) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This is a free event but registration is required for attendance. For more information visit http://www.enterprisetoronto.com.

Enterprise Toronto provides services and programs tailored to meet the needs of Toronto's entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them to achieve their full potential so that they grow to create jobs and contribute to Toronto’s prosperity. Over the last four years, Enterprise Toronto has annually served more than 35,000 clients at its three locations, at its many free events and seminars, on its website and over the phone. Enterprise Toronto also functions as a gateway for small businesses to access additional services in the City of Toronto's Economic Development & Culture division, while also facilitating a variety of public and private sector partnerships.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.